Twins, 17, to be tried as adults in burning of dog

Her kidneys failing, veterinarians euthanized the extensively burned, year-old dog. (Photo provided / May 31, 2009)

The 17-year-old twins accused of setting fire to a pit bull will be tried as adults, a judge decided Tuesday.

Judge David Ross ruled that Tremayne and Travers Johnson will face felony animal cruelty charges in Baltimore Circuit Court, allegations that could send the boys to jail for three years. Attorneys for the twins argued that they were not properly cared for in the juvenile system after they were placed on probation for a handgun violation in October 2008.

The lawyer for Tremayne Johnson added that his client suffers from depression and had not had any problems before he had brain surgery for a tumor four years ago. But a representative of juvenile services said the teen failed to cooperate with some of the department's programs.

The twins are charged with setting fire to a pit bull puppy known as Phoenix; rescue workers eventually had to euthanize the dog in May.

(Edit:Ruby)